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Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 606726
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are indicated for the: Short-term treatment in the healing of erosive esophagitis (EE) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years to 17 years of age. ( 1.1 ) Maintenance of healing of EE in adults. ( 1.2 ) Short-term treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated GERD in adults and pediatric patients 12 years to 17 years of age. ( 1.3 ) Risk reduction of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-associated gastric ulcer in adults at risk for developing gastric ulcers due to age (60 years and older) and/or documented history of gastric ulcers. ( 1.4 ) Helicobacter pylori eradication in adult patients to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin. ( 1.5 ) Long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. ( 1.6 ) 1.1 Healing of Erosive Esophagitis (EE) Adults Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) in the healing and symptomatic resolution of diagnostically confirmed EE in adults. For those patients who have not healed after 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 4- to 8- week course of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules may be considered. Pediatric Patients 12 Years to 17 Years of Age Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) for the healing of EE in pediatric patients 12 years to 17 years of age. 1.2 Maintenance of Healing of EE Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are indicated for the maintenance of healing of EE in adults. Controlled studies do not extend beyond 6 months. 1.3 Treatment of Symptomatic GERD Adults Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are indicated for short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD in adults. […]
About this medicine
The active ingredient in esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules USP for oral administration is bis(5-methoxy-2-[(S)-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1 H -benzimidazole-1-yl) magnesium dihydrate, a PPI. Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, which is a mixture of the S- and R- isomers. (Initial U.S. approval of esomeprazole magnesium: 2001). Its molecular formula is (C 17 H 18 N 3 O 3 S) 2 Mg x 2 H 2 O with molecular weight of 749.15 as a dihydrate and 713.12 on an anhydrous basis. The structural formula is: The magnesium salt is a white to slightly colored powder. It contains 2 moles of water of solvation and is practically insoluble in water. The stability of esomeprazole magnesium is a function of pH; it rapidly degrades in acidic media, but it has acceptable stability under alkaline conditions. At pH 6.8 (buffer), the half-life of the magnesium salt is about 19 hours at 25°C and about 8 hours at 37°C. Esomeprazole magnesium is supplied in delayed-release capsules. Each esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsule contains 20 mg of esomeprazole (equivalent to 21.75 mg esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate USP) or 40 mg of esomeprazole (equivalent to 43.5 mg esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate USP) in the form of enteric-coated granules with the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer dispersion, mono and di glycerides, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres (which contains liquid glucose, starch (maize) and sucrose), talc, titanium dioxide, and triethyl citrate. In addition, the empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain gelatin and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule shells are imprinted with edible ink containing butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac, strong ammonia solution and yellow iron oxide. Meets USP Dissolution Test 2.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Esomeprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that suppress gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Esomeprazole is protonated and converted in the acidic compartment of the parietal cell forming the active inhibitor, the achiral sulphenamide. Because this enzyme system is regarded as the acid (proton) pump within the gastric mucosa, esomeprazole has been characterized as a gastric acid-pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production. This effect is dose-related and leads to inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus.
Who should not take it
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to substituted benzimidazoles or to any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions may include anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, and urticaria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. For information about contraindications of amoxicillin and clarithromycin, indicated in combination with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules for H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence, refer to the Contraindications section of the respective prescribing information. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules, are contraindicated in patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Known hypersensitivity to substituted benzimidazoles or any component of the formulation. ( 4 ) Patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products. ( 4 , 7 ) Refer to the Contraindications section of the prescribing information for amoxicillin and clarithromycin, when administered in combination with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules. ( 4 )
Warnings and cautions
Gastric Malignancy : In adults, symptomatic response does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider additional follow-up and diagnostic testing. ( 5.1 ) Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis : Discontinue treatment and evaluate patients. ( 5.2 ) Clostridium difficile- Associated Diarrhea : PPI therapy may be associated with increased risk. ( 5.3 ) Bone Fracture : Long-term and multiple daily dose PPI therapy may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine. ( 5.4 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions : Discontinue at the first signs or symptoms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions or other signs of hypersensitivity and consider further evaluation. ( 5.5 ) Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus : Mostly cutaneous; new onset or exacerbation of existing disease; discontinue esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules and refer to specialist for evaluation. ( 5.6 ) Interaction with Clopidogrel : Avoid concomitant use of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules. ( 5.7 ) Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency : Daily long-term use (e.g., longer than 3 years) may lead to malabsorption or a deficiency of cyanocobalamin. ( 5.8 ) Hypomagnesemia and Mineral Metabolism : Reported rarely with prolonged treatment with PPIs. ( 5.9 ) Interaction with St. John’s Wort or Rifampin : Avoid concomitant use of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules. ( 5.10 , 7 ) Interactions with Diagnostic Investigations for Neuroendocrine Tumors : Increased chromogranin A (CgA) levels may interfere with diagnostic investigations for neuroendocrine tumors, temporarily stop esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules at least 14 days before assessing CgA levels. ( 5.11 , 12.2 ) Interaction with Methotrexate : Concomitant use with PPIs may elevate and/or prolong serum concentrations of methotrexate and/or its metabolite, possibly leading to toxicity. With high dose methotrexate administration, consider temporary withdrawal of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules. ( 5.12 , 7 ) Fundic Gland Polyps: Risk increases with long-term use, especially beyond one year. […]
Reported side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Hypomagnesemia and Mineral Metabolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Fundic Gland Polyps [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Most common adverse reactions ( 6.1 ): Adults (≥ 18 years) (≥1%) are: headache, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, and dry mouth. Pediatrics (1 to 17 years) (≥2%) are: headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and somnolence. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults The safety of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules was evaluated in over 15,000 patients (aged 18 to 84 years) in clinical trials worldwide including over 8,500 patients in the United States and over 6,500 patients in Europe and Canada. Over 2,900 patients were treated in long-term studies for up to 6 to 12 months. The safety in the treatment of healing of EE in adults was assessed in four randomized comparative clinical trials, which included 1,240 patients who received esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 20 mg once daily, 2,434 patients on esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules 40 mg once daily, and 3,008 patients on omeprazole 20 mg once daily. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Tables 3 and 4 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions and interaction with diagnostics when administered concomitantly with esomeprazole and instructions for preventing or managing them. Consult the labeling of concomitantly used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with PPIs. Table 3: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Drugs Co-Administered with Esomeprazole and Interaction with Diagnostics Antiretrovirals Clinical Impact: The effect of PPIs on antiretroviral drugs is variable. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these interactions are not always known. Decreased exposure of some antiretroviral drugs (e.g., rilpivirine atazanavir, and nelfinavir) when used concomitantly with esomeprazole may reduce antiviral effect and promote the development of drug resistance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Increased exposure of other antiretroviral drugs (e.g., saquinavir) when used concomitantly with esomeprazole may increase toxicity [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. There are other antiretroviral drugs which do not result in clinically relevant interactions with esomeprazole. Intervention: Rilpivirine-containing products: Concomitant use with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules are contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Atazanavir: See prescribing information for atazanavir for dosing information. Nelfinavir: Avoid concomitant use with esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules. See prescribing information for nelfinavir. Saquinavir: See the prescribing information for saquinavir for monitoring of potential saquinavir-related toxicities. Other antiretrovirals: See prescribing information for specific antiretroviral drugs Warfarin Clinical Impact: Increased INR and prothrombin time in patients receiving PPIs, including esomeprazole, and warfarin concomitantly. Increases in INR and prothrombin time may lead to abnormal bleeding and even death. Intervention: Monitor INR and prothrombin time and adjust the dose of warfarin, if needed, to maintain the target INR range. […]
Use in specific groups
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with esomeprazole in pregnant women. Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole. Available epidemiologic data fail to demonstrate an increased risk of major congenital malformations or other adverse pregnancy outcomes with first trimester omeprazole use (see Data) . Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits resulted in dose-dependent embryo-lethality at omeprazole doses that were approximately 3.4 to 34 times an oral human dose of 40 mg (based on a body surface area for a 60 kg person). Teratogenicity was not observed in animal reproduction studies with administration of oral esomeprazole magnesium in rats and rabbits with doses about 68 times and 42 times, respectively, an oral human dose of 40 mg (based on a body surface area basis for a 60 kg person). Changes in bone morphology were observed in offspring of rats dosed through most of pregnancy and lactation at doses equal to or greater than approximately 34 times an oral human dose of 40 mg. When maternal administration was confined to gestation only, there were no effects on bone physeal morphology in the offspring at any age (see Data ) . The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole. Four epidemiological studies compared the frequency of congenital abnormalities among infants born to women who used omeprazole during pregnancy with the frequency of abnormalities among infants of women exposed to H 2 -receptor antagonists or other controls. […]
If too much is taken
Manifestations in patients exposed to omeprazole, the racemic mixture, at doses up to 2,400 mg (120 times the usual recommended clinical dose) include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, diaphoresis, flushing, headache, dry mouth, and other adverse reactions similar to those seen at recommended dosages. See the full prescribing information for omeprazole for complete safety information. No specific antidote for esomeprazole is known. Since esomeprazole is extensively protein bound, it is not expected to be removed by dialysis. In the event of overdosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. If over-exposure occurs, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 9 July 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.